Cartographers and photogrammetrists
SOC Code: 17-1021
Cartographers and photogrammetrists carries a 49% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $78,380 and +6.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 13,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 49% AI exposure, Cartographers and photogrammetrists sits 12 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 86% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Cartographers and photogrammetrists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists has ai exposure of 49%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Cartographers and photogrammetrists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Cartographers and photogrammetrists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Cartographers and photogrammetrists (SOC 17-1021) carries an AI exposure score of 49%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 13,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +6.4% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $78,380, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Cartographers and photogrammetrists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Compile data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps.
- 2. Delineate aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereoplotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
- 3. Prepare and alter trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment.
- 4. Study legal records to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties.
- 5. Inspect final compositions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
- 6. Revise existing maps and charts, making all necessary corrections and adjustments.
- 7. Identify, scale, and orient geodetic points, elevations, and other planimetric or topographic features, applying standard mathematical formulas.
- 8. Collect information about specific features of the Earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques.
- 9. Examine and analyze data from ground surveys, reports, aerial photographs, and satellite images to prepare topographic maps, aerial-photograph mosaics, and related charts.
- 10. Determine guidelines that specify which source material is acceptable for use.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Geography
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Design
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Law and Government
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Cartographers and photogrammetrists?
Cartographers and photogrammetrists has an AI exposure score of 49%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Cartographers and photogrammetrists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Cartographers and photogrammetrists is projected to grow by 6.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 13,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Cartographers and photogrammetrists?
Key skills for Cartographers and photogrammetrists include Reading Comprehension, Writing, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Cartographers and photogrammetrists earn?
The median annual wage for Cartographers and photogrammetrists is $78,380, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Cartographers and photogrammetrists?
The typical entry-level education for Cartographers and photogrammetrists is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Cartographers and photogrammetrists?
Cartographers and photogrammetrists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).